Trailer Coupling Support with Hook Contour Plug Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier arrangements for trailer hitches and load carriers experience loosening of connections due to loads during driving, leading to instability and security issues.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in connection system using hook contours on plug-in projections and receptacles, allowing components like cross members and side members to be securely hooked together, with additional form-fitting and material connections for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bending elements are used to connect cross member to side members, then the connection can be initially assembled, but the connection loosens under driving loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate plug-in projection and plug-in receptacle components, each with specific hook contours. This segmentation allows the connection to be designed as an interlocking system rather than a simple bending element, preventing loosening while maintaining assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in projection is inserted into the plug-in receptacle, with the projection's hook contours nesting within the receptacle's corresponding contours. This nested configuration creates an interlocking structure that resists loosening forces while allowing initial assembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hook contours are used to connect components, then transverse holding stability is improved, but the complexity of the connection geometry increases
Solution Approach 1:
Hook contours are applied locally at specific connection points (plug-in projections and receptacles) rather than throughout the entire component structure. This localized application provides transverse holding stability exactly where needed while keeping the rest of the component geometry simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook contours feature asymmetric geometry with protruding and recessed portions that interlock in a specific direction. This asymmetric design provides effective transverse holding while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for the individual components.
3Reliability
If multiple plug-in connections are provided in pairs, then connection reliability is enhanced, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple plug-in connections are combined into a single integrated connection system where the cross member, side members, and holder work together through coordinated plug-in projections and receptacles. This merging approach enhances reliability through redundancy while avoiding the complexity of completely separate connection systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 5~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a support arrangement for a trailer coupling (90) or a load carrier (95), comprising as components a cross member (20) and at least one bracket (11, 13) arranged on the cross member (20) for a trailer coupling (90) or for a coupling part of a load carrier (95) and optionally side carriers (30, 31) connected to the cross member (20) for mounting on a rear of a vehicle body.In the carrier arrangement (10) it is provided that at least two of the components of the carrier arrangement (10) or at least two of its component parts are connected to each other by a plug connection, wherein a plug projection (40, 41) projecting in front of one component or component part engages in a plug receptacle (60, 61) of the other component or component part and the plug projection (40, 41) and the plug receptacle (60, 61) have hook contours (47, 67) for hooking the plug projection (40, 41) in the plug receptacle (60, 61).